#all the other recruits are my cannon OCs for my playthroughs

[enasallavellan]

Chapter 4

Serafina sees firsthand the destruction the darkspawn can cause and finally meets the other wardens and recruits.

Author's note: So I've been feeling a lot better lately. I'm slowly getting over a bout of pneumonia, and I'm keeping solids down. Debating rather or not to still go forward with the endoscopy or not - it's pretty damn expensive, and if I'm getting better it may not be needed. On the other hand, the medications I'm on might not be actually helping the root cause. I'd still appreciate any ko-fi donations (link at the bottom) or tips as all the medical bills have piled sky high, and I haven't been able to work since the first few days of May.

As the road faded, Duncan warned Serafina to be careful. Grass gave way to rocks and pebbles, and the once-even trail tilted upward. Serafina supposed that was one good thing about going up and down stairs all day - she easily kept pace with Duncan.

But further along, the trail took an odd turn.

Fallen trees, blackened and twisted, littered the area, and the once-thick brush seemed to have melted to the ground, leaving heaps of slimy refuse.

"Darkspawn." Duncan said gravely, "This land won't be usable for generations."

"The Darkspawn did all this?" Serafina asked in disbelief.

Duncan paused, coming to a stop. "They poison everything they touch. Look..." He kneeled down and pointed at one of the fallen trees. "I know this trail well. I've walked it many times." He shook his head. "Many of these trees are a type of oak—a particularly stubborn one. It's a struggle to cut them down and an even bigger fight to kill them. Some say fire only makes them grow."

Serafina surveyed the area, feeling a sudden eerie silence. "And the Darkspawn did all that?"

"With just a touch," Duncan replied, standing up straight. "Now you understand why we must eliminate this threat."

The silence felt louder than Duncan's voice, and a shiver ran up Serafina's spine.

"Come," Duncan said. "We should hurry. I want to leave this forest as much as you do."

The silence lingered for a while, even after they moved away from the blighted forest and entered a valley. Serafina never realized how beautiful a rocky outcrop could be—the windswept grass and scrub brush were a vast improvement from where they had just been.

"We're getting close to the meeting point," Duncan said, pointing ahead. "That's where your fellow Wardens are."

Serafina nodded, but her eyes were fixed on her own boots. Duncan allowed another moment of silence before she mustered the courage to ask, "How...?"

A sudden chill ran through her when he turned to look at her, and she quickly closed her mouth.

Duncan's voice softened as if speaking to an injured animal. "It's alright. What do you want to know? Soon enough, you'll be one of us."

She began to twist the scarf around her fingers. The light from the setting sun revealed the bits of stray fibers that had been fraying over the years, and again the ache settled deep. The fabric no longer whispered feather-soft over her skin. Instead, it whispered more akin to someone ill, throat raspy and rough. Even still, the comfort brought by the fabric embracing her fingers -

"Serafina?"

She nearly shouted as her heart jumped into her throat.

What was she doing?

She slowly moved her eyes, fighting against the drag of sudden panic to look at Duncan. He was watching her, eyes squinted, and brow creased in obvious concern. After another second, his features smoothed as he reassured, "It's alright." Then, as though the last moment had never happened, he repeated, "What would you like to know? You'll be one of us soon enough."

"I'm sorry." It was automatic - she had obviously done something wrong. 

Duncan simply shook his head again, "You have nothing to apologize for. Ask your question."

Again, the fabric muttered over her skin as she dared, "How many?"

"How many other Wardens?" Duncan asked.

She shook her head, eyes still downcast but detangling the scarf from her fingers, "No… other women."

"Of course." He said, "The group you'll spend most of your time with during this mission has seven…" He paused and said, "They'll help you adjust, and I wager you'll have friends of all kinds."

Again, an automatic nod.

"It will take time." He said, "But you are in no danger from your fellow Wardens." He did lean down to look at her closer, "That, I can promise you."

She wished she could believe him.

It wasn't long before they could hear the sounds of a camp ahead - men talking and a terrible clanging of weapons and shouting. She looked up at Duncan in concern, but he seemed unaffected by the noise but offered a smile, "Training, no doubt. You'll be with them soon."

"What can I do?" The unconscious thought slipped past her lips, and she felt the blood run hot in her face.

Duncan didn't seem to notice, "You might be surprised by what you can do. And once we have you a staff, you can do much more."

Finally, the tight path opened into the valley proper, revealing the camp below. It seemed more permanent than the camps she and Duncan had made, with multiple fires and many people milling about... A few horses were munching on grass here and there, and the entire area was dotted with clusters of tents.

Tents.

Tens where she would be expected to sleep.

Her eyes scanned the group below, her heart speeding a bit more with every person. Some laughed, some chatted, and further off, groups could be seen sparring, yelling loudly as they did. 

"Are you ready?" He asked.

Twenty-seven men, she counted. Twenty-seven if you took Duncan into account. Twenty-seven possible threats, twenty-seven sets of grabbing hands. And with each man she counted, she felt the air leaving her lungs. Suddenly, Duncan's voice quieted, fading a bit, "I'm sure Warden Robin will take you under her wing no sooner does she see you." 

Her head bobbed with an automatic agreement, but her gaze remained fixed on the camp below. She couldn't tear her eyes away from the bustling activity, the distant sounds of laughter and clashing weapons, and the sight of men and their camaraderie. With a deep breath, she looked towards the other woman again.

Maybe she'd be safe.

Then again…

There had been other women in the arl's home. Women in the alienage. But she wasn't safe there either. They watched, shook their heads, made sad faces, and whispered among themselves how it was such a shame - but they were so relieved that it wasn't them suffering. Even Nell, for all her kindness and warmth, couldn't help her.

Best not to rely on it.

"Serafina?"

Duncan's voice jerked her back to reality, and to her surprise, they were both nearing the edge of the camp. Her throat felt tight, her tongue swollen as Duncan introduced her o the others, her eyes darting download when she felt their gaze.

"This is Serafina - our newest recruit." He motioned from one person to the other, voice going softer with every name. They were all looking at her, watching her, sizing her up. Even when she looked down, the heat of their gazes burned into her neck, and she felt her shoulders hunch.

“Serafina? Serafina?”  

The voice was higher than the rest, safer. She dared a look upward and was surprised to see a smiling face. Full-cheeked and bright-eyed, the woman spoke softly, "Thank the Maker for you. It's good to see Duncan bring along someone with a brain and hygiene - no offense Duncan."

"I'm sure you'll be relieved to have the company of another of your kind."

"We aren't aliens, Duncan." She sighed.

That same rumbling laughter echoed in his chest as he nodded, "And as for your fellow recruits, they're training with Warden Ethlam and Warden Fisher." He pointed to the group that still sparred beyond, "Do you see the smaller man, elven like you?" 

She squinted at them, picking out one of them with a staff strapped to his back, a blue tabard making him stand apart from the other recruits.

"He'll begin instructing you in your magic training for now. Depending on how you two get on, he might be willing to stay on until he feels your readying."

She nodded.

"Duncan," Robin said, "If it's okay, I'm going to go ahead and get her set up. She can meet the other recruits over dinner."

He nodded, "Of course - but if I could have a moment before you leave." He motioned for her to follow him.

Robin gently touched Serafina's shoulder, "I'll be right back." 

And with that, she left her with all the others.

There were a few blurry moments of questions that she couldn't remember how to even answer, much less how she eventually chose to.

"Maker, do you people always have to crowd the recruits?" Robin asked when she returned, playfully shoving one of the others away, "Ignore the amazing clueless wonders - they have no manners." She ignored the returning ribbing, instead turning back to Serafina, "Come on, I'll help you get your pack settled."

She followed, stealing glances behind her at the group of men.

"They're harmless." She said, "If any of them do anything you don't like, either tell them to stop it or come get me. They can be idiots."

She nodded mutely.

"But they won't hurt you." She reassured, "They might say stupid shit, but I don't know any of the Wardens here who do or say something if they knew it would upset." She slowed to a stop at one of the tents, "Want to help me over this? I can't deal with Clyde's snoring anymore." She quickly took it down, "And let me guess - Duncan hasn't taught you how to pitch your own tent yet?"

She shook her head.

"Thought so." They continued to walk away from the others, past the worn-down dirt and flattened grass of the main camp, "How about here? Might be far enough away to not have to hear it - or Maker, smell it. You'd think there were no rivers or creeks or lakes or some sort of place for them to wash their socks out every few weeks."

Serafina felt herself smile a bit.

"Here." Robin handed her a rolled-up canvas. It was heavier than she expected, like the winter blankets she would put on the Arl and his family's beds. Suddenly, the fabric in her arms felt like cold, sweaty hands.  

Waterproofing. That's all it was. That was the strange texture. It wasn't cold skin or winter blankets. It was like the cloaks she would wear during Antivan's rainy season, where day in and day out, there was nothing but rain and wind and clouds. Her cloak had been more smooth and not nearly as heavy. She used to love walking in the rain, dry in the cloak her friend had bought her and surrounded by the torrent of rain and wind. It was always an odd time of year when people stayed indoors for everything except essentials, and the running joke was at least half the population of Antiva were born nine months after the rainy season. Piovere bambinos - rain babies. She had been cone, born in the early few months of the year. If she was right, her cousin was one as well, as well as some of the other kitchen girls. She knew that Marta and-

"See?" 

Robin's voice jerked her out of her thoughts, and she saw the bones of the tent standing upright in front of her. Again, she had missed the entirety of the demonstration, and she could feel Robin's expectations shriveling up. But instead, she simply smiled, "That's alright, you'll need to do it to really get a knack for it - here, I'll help you."

It was easier than just watching. With Robin's constant stream of instruction, step by step, her mind wasn't able to wander so much. Soon enough, her own tent's bones had been raised, and Robin helped her with the canvas, showing her where to tie it to the posts and ensure it was all secure.  

And there it was.

Her first victory.

Her first tent.

That promptly fell over.

"It's alright, it takes practice," Robin said with a pleasant laugh, "If you want, we can share for now, and you can get more practice on the way to Ostagar - by then, you'll be an expert, I wager."

She looked at the pile of canvas and posts in front of her, then to Robin's pristine tent beside it.  

"Getting cold anyway." She added warmly.

Serafina felt a very small smile as she nodded, "It'd like that."

Robing grinned, "Great!" She took Serafina's pack and put it in her tent, "Duncan tells me you're a mage - a healer to boot!"

It seemed an odd time to talk about boots.

"To… boot?" She asked uncertainly.

"It's an expression." She explained, "It just means that we need mages - but we especially need healers - to boot."

"To boot." She repeated, "As though to say, it was a sunny day, and warm… to boot?"

Robin laughed, "That's it." She pointed to the man Duncan had indicated to her, "See the grumpy one? That's Ethlam, he's the only mage Warden we have right now, but we do have a recruit - I heard he's been recruited through the circle." She leaned forward, "He's a bit of a grouch, but he won't hurt you either. He'll help you learn to use a staff - one should be waiting for us at Ostagar when you arrive." She nudged her, "And if somebody crosses a line and needs a good whack," She added, slapping the ground, "You can just smack them with it."

Serafina titled her head to the side, "So I don't have to go to a circle?"

"Mages are free with the Grey Wardens." She said, "Bloody good - Cricles, rotten places I've heard."

"I wasn't afraid of them until I came to Ferelden." She said.

"You weren't afraid of them in… Antiva, I'm guessing?"

She shook her head, "Templars… they don't quite have as strong of a grip in Antiva - especially ones controlled by the Crows -" She cut herself off, saying instead, "They're..."

"A network of spies and assassins." Duncan finished, "I'm aware - we have some in the Grey Wardens?"

That caught Serafina off guard, "You have Crows in the Grew Wardens?"

He nodded, "Former Crows might be a better choice of words."

A little spark of hope lit itself - would that mean...

"Well, they raided a Crow nest." She felt her hands start to tremble as she continued, moving to adjust her sleeves to keep them busy. "A lot of the different houses organized to do the same to them... they've left -" She stumbled a bit, "They've left the Crows mostly alone."

Duncan's gaze was unwavering, "And they left you alone."

Her heart started to race, and she looked away, "I wasn't a Crow... I was born in the nest and worked in the kitchen."

"I see." There was no judgment on his face, and he said it with the same tone one might respond to a much more mundane past. 

"I promise, that's not going to happen." She said firmly, "You're safe from it all with us. No templars, no circles. You're safe."

The world blurred with that word.

 "And hey." Robin's voice was gentle as she touched her hand, a strangely comforting gesture, "You and me? I have a feeling we'll be good friends, and friends protect each other. Sound good?"

Serafina rubbed at her eyes, hoping to wipe the tears away before Robin could see them, "You… really think that?"

"Definitely." Robin said, "So, I'll break the face of anyone who bothers you, and you heal me up when I'm done fighting them."

For the first time in a very long time, Serfaina felt herself laugh.

Robin squeezed her hand, "I've got your back." After a few seconds of thought, Serafina nodded, "Thank you, Robin."

"Any time - now let's get some food, I'm starving." She stood up, pulling Serafina up, "And you need to eat seconds and thirds for a while. You'll feel better once you get some regular meals in you."

"Never had much to eat." She said, following her.

Robin chuckled, "Oh, trust me. They feed us well."  

Robin continued on Serafina's right side, putting herself between her and the men. She laughed and joked as though it was a mere chance, it was clear she was acting as a barrier. She steered Serafina to a spot at the end. After a quick reintroduction between Serafina and the other Wardens, Duncan introduced her to the other recruits. First, he motioned to a woman with rosy blonde hair wrapped into a tight bun, "Lady Alice Cousland of Ferelden."

The woman smiled warmly, "Well, it would seem the women now outnumber the men." 

Beside her, a dwarf with exceptionally bright eyes laughed, "Seems the Grey Wardens have wisened up, eh?" She extended her hand, "Henrietta Brosca - scheming do-gooder."

Serafina hesitantly shook it, the other woman's grip strong and sure."

"Prince Ulrich Aeducan, of Orzammar." A fair-haired dwarf said, giving a sort of half-bow to avoid getting up, "Stone-met."

An elven man piped up next, grinning so wide that his tattoo wrinkled around his eyes, "Andaran atish'a. I've never met an elf from the human cities. Is it really truly awful?"

Yes. 

It was truly awful.

But instead, she said, "It can be difficult sometimes."

"You had to say that?" A robed woman asked.

The elven man waved her away, "It's a legitimate question." 

"It's a rude question." She argued, dark eyes glinting.

Henrietta let out a dramatic groan, "Bicker, bitch, and bellyache."

"And the snake and fennec of the group." Duncan said, "Hanin Mahariel of the Dalish Sabrae Clan, and Cosette Amell of the Order of Magi.

"Not anymore, thank the Maker." Cosette said with a weak smile.

"I'm -" Serafina cut herself off, "Never mind, sorry."

"Speak your mind." Duncan encouraged.

Serafina settled her eyes on the fire, focusing on a particularly bright coal, "I'm a mage as well. But I never went to a Circle."

Cosette sat up, "You're an apostate?"

She counted the sparks that sputtered from the coal before answering, "What does that mean?"

"That you managed to avoid the templars." Alice explained.

Serafina nodded.

Duncan then nodded to the last recruit, a scruffy-looking man with a glint in his eye, "And finally, Recruit Daveth of Denerim." He turned to the group, "This is Serafina Tabris, also of Denerim."

Serafina forced her head up enough to look at each person quickly, forcing a smile.

Hanin had moved from his spot on a rock, instead reclining in the grass, "You two know each other?" 

Daveth's answer came quickly, "I highly doubt that." His eyes looked Serafina up and down as he spoke, "I certainly wouldn't forget a face like that."

Robin snorted, "Well, if it's about faces, then she might have just forgotten about you."

There were some appreciative laughs at the jab, and Robin took over introductions, "Remember Warden Fisher and Warden Warden Ethlam working with the new recruits?" She asked, "This is Warden Ethlam - he'll begin with your magical training and staff technique."

Slight and tall, Ethlam leaned on his staff, "Well met."

"Technique?" Daveth rested his chin in his hand, "Don't you just point and wiggle your fingers?"

"Blast and blast until you can't blast no more." One Warden chuckled, "Then smack when you can't use no more magic."

"It's a bit more complicated than that." Ethlam grumbled.

Serafina's thoughts accidentally turned into words before she could stop herself, "Even though I'm…" 

There was a long pause as every face turned to face her. Finally, she managed, "Even though I'm a healing mage?"

"Doesn't matter." Ethlam said, "All you need is to be a mage, and you can funnel magic through the staff and use it to attack."

She swallowed, head bobbing in a silent nod.

Ethlam shook his head, "No need for all that. We'll start tomorrow. You'll have plenty of time to ask questions then." He tilted his bowl back, drinking broth and getting up, "Speaking of, Cosette, I want to take a look at what you can do without having others nearby run the risk of getting set on fire."

One of the recruits scrambled up, a big grin on his face.

"Don't get cocky." Ethlam said, "Wiggling your fingers at books in the Circle is nothing compared to what you're going to deal with when we get to Ostagar."

"Is it -" Again, Serafina attempted to cut the words off, but at the insistent gaze of the others, she continued, "Is it really going to be that bad?"

"It's a blight, right?" Henrietta asked, "Never a good thing when that's going on."

Cosette asked “We’ve seen the archdemon, then?”

Duncan shook his head, "Not that I'm aware of."

"Then how can we be so sure?" Amell asked.

"Because they've been flooding into the deep roads closer to Orzamar than they have since the last blight. Henrietta said, "Sodding surfacers. We fight the darkspawn every day, but not a single one of you cares until they start knocking on your door."

"Excuse me?" Cosette started.

 "I think that's enough talk for the night." Duncan interrupted, "We still have ten days before we reach Ostagar. We should get plenty of rest while we're able."

The group lumbered up, making their way toward their tents.

"Come on." Robin said, "I'm going to go take a bath while we have a clean body of water."

Serafina sighed out, "Maker, a bath would be wonderful."

"You can use my soaps." She said, "They're probably a little nicer on the skin than whatever Duncan gave you."

She smiled, "I'd like that."

"Alright, I'm going to get - hey, Melchior!"

A man glanced up.

"Come stand guard!" Robin called, leaning over to Serafina, "Don't worry, he doesn't like girls."

"I prefer the company of other gentlemen." He said as he came over.

"Other gentlemen?" Robin snickered.

"I am a gentleman!" He argued, "Watching out for you two, aren't I?"

Robin heaved a sigh, "He is kind of great." She tossed Serafina a small bag, "And if he bothers you, say the word - and know I can throw a rock very accurately."

"Why is it always violence with you?" Melchior asked in an exaggerated whine.

"Oh, only when you deserve it." She said, "Come on, Fina."

She caught up with Robin, standing close to her as they walked.

"He's a good one." Robin promised, "Honestly, we could ask any of them to stand guard, and they'd be respectful. Now, some would still yell things and act like they were looking to be annoying, but they wouldn't actually do it."

Serafina nodded, hands twisting again. The red scarf ran between her fingers as she twisted it around them. Funny, how silk stayed cool and so-

Suddenly, her sense snapped back to reality at the vagally fatty smell. The bottom of her vision was obscured by the lumpy block of soap under her nose.

"There you are." Robin said brightly, "Floated off for a second there."

She went red, "Sorry."

Robing shook her head, "No, don't apologize for sort of thing. Now, come on, Melchior is way back there, and he's facing away. Let's get cleaned up, yeah?" Then, she gasped as she added, "Oh, can I -" But she cut herself off, "Never mind."

She looked behind her once before taking off her clothes, looking behind her every few seconds to ensure Melchior's back was still turned. "What is it?"

She waved dismissively, "Don't worry about it."

"Are you -" The following words came out in a gasp, forced out of her by the cold water, "Sure?"

"Sure." Robin replied, "It was one of those childish thoughts we all get."

Serafina grabbed the soap and rubbed it over her skin. The scent was softer than what she used in the alienage and felt less harsh and gritty. But it was still a far cry from the soothing, pleasant-smelling soap that was so common in Antiva. 

Another pang for her homeland thumped against her ribcage.

Serafina took the soap to her hair. She tried to be gentle, but she realized it might take some time between the harsh soap and the sheer amount of hair to wash.

"Oh, I can't stand it!" Robin laughed, "I don't care if it's childish - Can I braid your hair?"

The request took a moment to process, "You want to braid my hair?"

"Of course I do! Just look at it!" 

Serafina frowned a bit, scooping some of her long hair floating around her and examining it.

Nothing had changed. Still a dull, murky sort of brown. 

"Antivans have such pretty thick hair." Robin rubbed her hand over her short cropped hair, "Mine was so wild and curly, I just cut t off - but yours!"

Serafina frowned at her hair, "Not... really."

Robin threw her clothes aside, cursing and complaining as she went into the water, "Can't talk. Too cold. Shit."

"Why do you think I started right away?" Serafina asked before submerging to rinse the soap out.

Robin gritted her teeth against the cold, "My mouth taking over wins the day again." 

Luckily, the base campfires were still burning, so they could warm up before returning to Robin's tent.

"So…?" Robin asked, fingers wiggling in anticipation, "Can I?"

Already, Serafina felt a remarkable familiarity with Robin - it had been a long time since the last time she had felt the beginning of a friendship with anyone so quickly. And she was grinning so wide, eyes bright with excitement, that Serafina was happy to nod and say, "If you want to."

Robing laughed and clapped her hands in a surprisingly girlish manner, drawing a laugh from Serafina.

It was good to have a friend again.

Read the full fic from the beginning at my A03 here!

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